So long, 10-degree Celcius weather - hello sunshiny blissful morning. She finally greeted me after acting shy amidst the fog at Kingkong Hill, one of Mount Bromo’s sunrise spots. What was nothing but a dark abyss a few hours earlier was finally a row of colourful Jeeps encircling the three-kilometre path towards Jeep number seven and lush greens surrounding the hills on my far right spoiling my sight.
Widodaren Hill Breakfast Picnic
Next on my Bromo trip (organised by MORA Group and Ciliwung Camp) is a breakfast picnic at Widodaren Hill’s foot. Numerous Jeeps lined up downhill heading to the base of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park for approximately half an hour. Dito drove the Jeep, rocking above the sandy terrain whilst colliding with the sand blowing in the wind. Hilmy surprisingly opened the backdoor mid-ride. A gust of sand flew into my airspace at my seating position beside her in the back.
My Jeep was the last to park among six others. Members of the group were seen roaming around our breakfast picnic area snapping memories with their visions and gadgets. I followed in their footsteps.
This morning continued to become more stunning by the second. The standout object was the pudding-like shaped Widodaren Hill, which served as the background of our breakfast picnic. “I’m in a live version of a Windows desktop background - in HD!” I internally murmured.
The semicircle breakfast layout was in close proximity to the natural wonder. It comprised a tiny teepee and picnic blanket on the left, a few little picnic chairs and tables on the right, and a long stretch of ground sitting tables in between, all embellished with artificial fruits and adorable knick-knacks such as a picnic basket and vibrant small pillows. In contrast to Widodaren Hill’s stillness was a trail of Jeeps and dirt bikes passing by.
Group photo done - I walked over the tent exerting smokes of a juicy scent. The breakfast menu consisted of smoked beef, grilled sausage and chicken, sauteed vegetables, and a selection of juice. Indeed a well-balanced menu to refuel our bodies after all that trekking.
The sun blared against the zephyr. With my plate in hand, I approached the teepee area with a couple of the group members for a somewhat intimate meal. “Breakfast today is a little special,” said Delvi, recording a clip for her Insta Story. Couldn’t agree more. Picnics have a special place in my heart but this was absolutely exceptional. What a wonderful way to spend my second day a year older.
Widodaren Hill has an altitude of 2,614 metres above sea level. Its popularity has grown over time due to its captivating natural scenery and tranquil atmosphere. The Tengger Tribe are believed to have retreated here in hopes of achieving moksha (nirvana).
Many Bromo sunrise-catchers opt to relax near the foot like us. There are various tourist spots; from an extension of the area’s beauty at the mountain’s top and the sea of sand below to the sacred fountain of the Widodaren Cave. However, not a lot of facilities are available on this mountain, so try to bring enough water and supplies.
We didn’t get any closer to the mountain. Instead, we savoured in the morning to our liking. I queued for my photo op on a white Jeep in front of the hill. It was comedic. Four ladies struggled to get off the Jeep until members of Ciliwung Camp intervened to guide them.
My case, nevertheless, was a show too - in my own twist. Climbing on top of the Jeep’s roof and reclining down was surprisingly easy, yet my time posing was the comedic part. My legs shook visibly to everyone on the ground to which they chuckled.
“Hurry take my pictures!” I shouted, trying to calm my muscles. “Try sitting down!” shouted one of the photographers. Now, I possess a collection of stunning Windows desktop photos with Widodaren Hill behind me.
All laughs aside, we lost track of time for our next agenda: Pasir Berbisik. The seven Jeeps rode off into the gushing sand.
Experienced hikers claimed that Widodaren Hill’s climbing route is beginner-friendly. Perhaps my next Bromo trip will stimulate my shaky legs atop this lush hill instead.